Since fuel prices in India have risen at a rapid rate in the past decade, the budget oriented car buyers have been affected to a large extent. In order to escape the heavy expenditure incurred on refuelling their cars, the given set of consumers are actively switching to cost effective cars. So, to address the needs of buyers, car makers are introducing low priced models, which offer a decent fuel economy. However, in present terms, there is no dearth of budget cars in the Indian car market and in future the tally of these vehicles is all likely to increase. Major auto companies like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Chevrolet are actively manufacturing vehicles that are ideally suited for budget oriented car buyers.
Tata Nano
While mentioning the top budget cars available in India, Tata Nano tops the list. The car is touted as the world's cheapest production model by the company, Tata Motors. Targeted mainly to address the needs of budget eccentric buyers, Nano comes at a ex-showroom price of Rs. 1.4 lakh for the standard variant. While in case of the top-spec trim, the price further rises to 2.1 lakh. The company claims an average 25.4 kmpl for Nano, which is significantly higher than any other car. In terms of features, the car come loaded with air-conditioning system, heater, front power windows and remote keyless entry system. However, these features are only provided in mid and top trim level but still considering the price, Tata Nano clearly leads the segment of budget cars in India.
The leading passenger car maker of India, features on list of providing budget friendly cars in India. With its Alto 800 model, the company has tasted a huge amount of success for its reasonable price and superior mileage. The entry-level hatchback of Maruti Suzuki is offered in a petrol variant alongside the optional CNG kit. It is provided with 0.8-litre engine that gives away 46 bhp of power and 69 Nm of torque. As far as the price is concerned, Alto 800 is offered in a price range of Rs. 2.4 lakh to Rs. 3.60 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The entry-level hatchback of Maruti Suzuki gives away an average of 22.74 kmpl on petrol and 30.46 km/kg on CNG, which makes it one of the most fuel efficient cars in the country.
Hyundai Eon
Hyundai Eon was launched in 2011 and currently it is the least-priced car for Hyundai. The hatchback makes it presence felt in the budget car section with its introductory ex-showroom price of Rs. 2.8 lakh. As Hyundai has a reputation of manufacturing cars that are high on features, Eon too seems to be built on the same lines. In terms of safety features, the car gets a driver side airbag, remote keyless entry system, power windows, iPod and USB support, internally adjustable outside mirrors and many more. As par company claims, Hyundai Eon gives away a mileage of 21.1 kmpl that makes it a budget car.
Chevrolet Beat
Through its Spark model, Chevrolet brand features in the list of top budget cars in India. Amid the tough competition, Spark has fared significantly well in the Indian car market. The entry-level hatchback of Chevrolet is powered by a 1.0-litre engine that generates a peak output of 61 bhp alongside the 90 Nm of torque. The car has an ability to to give an average of 16.2 kmpl on different road conditions. Spark is provided with a power steering, power windows, single din music system and dual tone interiors at a introductory price of Rs. 3,33,312.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR
In the recent time, Maruti Suzuki WagonR was among the top selling cars for the company, owing to its competitive price and best-in-class features. Besides having a great mileage, the car is appreciated for is large headroom. Priced from Rs. 3.6 lakh to Rs. 4.4 lakh, the car ranks among the top contenders of budget cars in India. As per ARAI statistics, the petrol engine of WagonR gives away a fuel economy of 17.1 kmpl while the CNG version gives out 19.3 km per kg.
